This is a post-agricultural forest grown
up on 19th century farmland. The mixed and conifer woodlands reveal
colonial stone walls, a
red maple swamp with century-old trees, and a Sensitive
Fern marsh.
The park has a wooded hillside with puddingstone and Brighton Volcanic
outcrops. Pigeon Hill is a woodland with a circular stone wall.
The conservation area protects the South Meadow watershed. The house
is the headquarters of the Newton Parks and Recreation Department, and is not open to the public.

HISTORY:

1906

Dr. Harrison Kennard
bought the land. Previous owner used to shoot passenger pigeons
on Pigeon Hill and sell them at Faneuil Hall.

1978

City acquired
32.2 acres from the Kennard family.

1982

More land and
the house were willed to the city by Dr. Kennard for Kennard
Park.